Humming is a very prominent Yogic self-regulating technique. It corresponds to the Bhramari Pranayama. Vibration is actually a linkage between inner sound awakening and neural change. During the practice of humming, the practitioner resonates mmm sound through his nasal passages. This humming is not only an auditory experience, but it acts as an internal message for the brain. It is a silent healing medicine, arising from the internal sound.

 

According to the Yogic perspective, Nada or sound is the primary source of the creation and transformation. The ancient seers found that the vibrational sound has the potential to purify the mind, harmonise the Prana, and end mental disturbances. In humming the attention is automatically drawn inside.

 

As a result, it becomes a natural way of Pratyahara, the Yogic withdrawal of senses, preparing the mind for meditation. The research in the field of modern science supports the claims of these ancient Yogic practices. Neuroscience has proven that humming calms down the vagus nerve which is the main channel of relaxing the nervous system. It has been found that humming leads to the rest and restoration of cellular structures of the body,

 

leading to emotional regulation also. Asaresult of the stimulation of the vagus nerve, anxiety and stress are reduced, heart rate variability improves , and the body is geared up for better resilience to stressful conditions. During humming nitric oxide is secreted in the nasal passages. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator , hence it improves blood flow and sinuses as well as oxygen supply.

 

According to Yoga, Nada strengthens Pranic energy in our body. Neuroscience treats this phenomenon as the improved respiratory system. The rhythmic nature of humming soothes the nervous system and facilitates the shift of brain waves from beta to Alfa and theta associated with relaxed state of the body, creativity of the mind, and meditative absorption of consciousness. Studies have found that the humming practice synchronises cortical circuits, subduing mental clatter and leading to a state of alert calmness.

 

Humming taps into the limbic system also, reducing amygdala reactivity and fostering emotional harmony. In the Yogic terminology, it pacifies Rajas and Tamas which are mental and physical agitations and lethargy.

 

Thus Sattvic tendencies like mental harmony and clarity enhance. Humming impacts the breath and exhalation becomes longer than inhalation. Longer exhalation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to mental calm and resilience. It has been found during the studies that vibration duration the practice of humming impacts cerebrospinal fluid and helps positively in the neural oscillations. Neuroscience calls it increased brain coherence and neural integration.

 

Yoga terms it as the awakening of the inner chamber of consciousness. Humming has been found highly healing and therapeutic. In the world which is filled with noise and tumult, humming is a real sanctuary of peace and tranquility. This is the reason that the practice of humming has been called the silent medicine of the sound. Once again the ancient wisdom of Yoga aligns with the scientific research and studies of the modern era. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■